Do we HAVE to open gifts at baby shower?

I just wanted to know if there is some unwritten rule that you have to open all your gifts at the baby shower. What is the proper etiquette ? I'm expecting a large number of people at my baby shower and I kind of don't want to sit there for 2 hours opening gifts in front of everyone. Thoughts?

Comments (54)

I would be personally offended if I spent time and money on a baby shower gift... Went to the shower and then didn't get to see it opened. Especially if it was something custom made (which happens a lot at showers.)

I don't feel like opening the gift either cuz of the fact I wanna send thank you notes to the people and if I open all of the gift how I'm I gonna know who brought what . Idk I think the right thing to do it's to open the gift .

I don't know about a "rule", but I personally feel a little bummed if the mom to be doesn't open the gifts at the shower. Seeing all the cute stuff she gets is one of the best parts, in my opinion. However, I have been to showers where it takes forever to open gifts and it can be tedious. Maybe a bingo game where people mark off gifts as they get opened to keep them interested/entertained?

I'd like to know too. I'm a little sad that no one opens gifts at birthday parties anymore. I want to see a recipient's face when they open my gift regardless of the occasion.

We did a lunch baby shower for a co-worker. We all wanted to see the gifts, but knew it would take a lot of time so she started opening while we were waiting for food, took a break when the food came & jumped right back into opening when she finished eating. No games just all is old women ohh & ahhing about tiny baby things.

I'm not. However, because I did not want any games or to have to open presents in front of people I am calling it a barbecue- not traditional baby shower. The barbecue will be for both sides and my boyfriends friends and family will be coming as well.

Just open them really quick! A nice comment about each gift should be plenty. I was the person who Tom hours to open gifts and I felt so bad, so definitely do t but donor speedily lol.

To the pp who said she wants to write thank you notes, just ask a close friend or relative to write down the name of the gift giver and what they got you as you go. It is easy peasy and then you dot have to remember :-)

I had a big baby shower and a lot of gifts...and it was outdoor and hot as crap!! One of the hostesses brought her daughter who was about 5 at the time and she was a great helper in unwrapping and holding things up for me so that I could move it along. I didn't read every card out loud or thank each person individually while I opened. I did make sure to send a nice thank you card to each person with a detailed thank you of their gift. Don't forget to tell the people who give gift cards what you bought...it's a nice touch!